WASHINGTON, D.C. (KATU) — U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley are pushing for new legislation to create a permanent Office of Environmental Justice in the Department of Justice.
This comes after Attorney General Pam Bondi decided to end environmental justice efforts, a move linked to former President Donald Trump’s executive order that rolled back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs in federal agencies.
Senator Wyden expressed concern about these changes. He stated, “Attacking environmental justice harms millions of Americans who depend on clean air and water.” He emphasized that federal agencies should focus on protecting communities, not eliminating measures that ensure public health. He criticized Trump’s administration for worsening the climate crisis and impacting vulnerable communities.
Senator Merkley supported these views. He highlighted that every American deserves a safe environment. He pointed out that the previous administration’s actions have increased risks for the most vulnerable communities. “The Empowering and Enforcing Environmental Justice Act will help bridge these gaps,” he said. This legislation aims to hold polluters responsible and equip communities, especially those hit hardest by pollution and climate disasters, with the tools they need for a healthier future.
The proposed bill, led by Senator Alex Padilla of California, aims to strengthen the Department of Justice’s ability to enforce environmental laws. It includes $50 million in annual grants to support local and state environmental efforts.
Wyden has a history of supporting environmental justice. He previously introduced measures to reduce carbon emissions and curb climate change, including legislation that was part of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022. This legislation aimed to cut greenhouse gases and provided funds for wildfire and drought management, while also reducing prescription drug costs for people in Oregon and beyond.
In 2019, Wyden proposed a bill to simplify more than 40 energy tax incentives into three based on emissions. This legislation aimed to support job creation and address the climate crisis by encouraging facilities to achieve zero or even negative carbon emissions.
The new bill outlines the responsibilities of the Director of the Office of Environmental Justice. This includes creating a strategy for environmental justice, managing grant programs, encouraging public participation, and providing training for local enforcement of environmental laws. It also requires the Attorney General to set up a grant program within 180 days of the bill’s passage to help local, state, and tribal governments enforce environmental justice laws.
Several lawmakers, including Senators Richard Blumenthal, Cory Booker, Tammy Duckworth, Edward J. Markey, Bernie Sanders, Adam Schiff, and Chris Van Hollen, support this initiative. Their collective aim is to strengthen protections for the environment and the communities that depend on it.
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Environmental Justice,Legislation,Senators,Clean Air,Clean Water,Climate Crisis,Polluters,Grant Funding
